Overview & Reviews

BMW is an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG -- or, in English, Bavarian Motor Works. Whatever you call it, the German-based company is one of the world's most respected automakers, renowned for crafting luxury cars and SUVs that offer superior levels of driving enjoyment.

Founded in Munich, the company began in the early 1910s as an aircraft manufacturer. BMW's current logo, designed to represent white propeller blades against a blue sky, reflects these origins; its blue-and-white color scheme also references Bavaria's blue-and-white checkered flag.

It wasn't until 1928 that production began on the first BMW automobile, the Dixi. The car proved tremendously popular, and its success helped the manufacturer weather the Depression. BMW's best-known pre-World War II vehicle was the Type 328 roadster, a supple two-seater that racked up more than 120 victories on the motorsport circuit between 1936 and 1940. Postwar BMW cars maintained this tradition, with several racing, rallying and hill climb victories.

The early 1950s saw the launch of the BMW 501, a roomy, voluptuous sedan that was resplendent with all of the hopefulness of that era. It was soon followed by the 502, which was powered by the world's first light-alloy V8, foreshadowing BMW's ongoing commitment to developing new technology. The best-selling BMW of that decade was the Isetta, a petite two-seat "microcar" typically powered by a 12- or 13-horsepower engine. The mid-'50s also saw the debut of the limited production and breathtakingly beautiful 507 sports car, which had an alloy body and used the 502's V8 for propulsion. In the 1960s, BMW sales strengthened significantly, thanks in part to the immense popularity of the 1500, a sporty family sedan.

By the 1970s, BMW was establishing itself as a full-fledged car company. It was a pioneer for many emerging technologies, including turbocharging and advanced vehicle electronics. BMW of North America was established at that time, and consumers who coveted both sports and luxury cars became loyal "Bimmer" owners. The '70s also saw the birth of BMW's three-tier sport sedan range consisting of the compact 3 Series, midsize 5 Series and large 7 Series cars and the creation of its performance M division. Though the 3 Series could be had with four-cylinder power, it was the company's inline-6 engines that developed BMW's reputation for spirited, yet highly refined performance. At decade's end, the limited production, short-lived M1 supercar debuted.

Throughout the 1980s, BMW became the unofficial poster car of yuppies, as the brand ostensibly signified one's financial success as well as a passion for driving. The elegant 6 Series coupe debuted, and the latter part of the decade saw the high-performance M division working its magic on various production models.

In the early 1990s, BMW replaced the 6 Series with the powerful (V12-powered at first) but heavy 8 Series grand touring coupe. A bit later, BMW introduced its popular Z3 roadster. The company also opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in the latter half of the 1990s.

The 2000s brought a midsize SUV (the X5) as well as a compact SUV (the X3) as BMW joined the hot-selling segment. Since then, BMW has replaced the Z3 with the Z4, introduced the compact 1 Series, produced hybrid versions of a few models and debuted the X6 fastback crossover. The company has also expanded its empire to include Mini and Rolls-Royce and continues to build motorcycles, something it has done since the 1920s.

BMW's famous advertising slogan describes each of its vehicles as "the ultimate driving machine," and it's not mere hyperbole. Over the past couple of decades, BMWs have become the standard for performance and luxury in most of the "over $30,000" segments. With family-friendly wagons, crisp sedans, distinctive coupes, nimble sports cars and spacious SUVs offered, BMW's model roster is diverse. But its vehicles all share a common characteristic: the ability to make drivers feel gloriously connected to the road.

User Reviews:

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  Great Performance - 2002 BMW M3
  By Bimmer - March 17 - 1:32 pm

  The M3 has awsome performance for the money, and its a "eye catcher" for those attention seekers!

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  BOOO Motor works - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By bmwclarin - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my vehicle straight from the factory.The electrical and mechanical problems have been a nightmare, now my car has started to shutter and stall when taking off, still under warranty but apparently problem not covered, only 39,000 miles on it but looking to drive another car soon. No car of this calibur should have so many problems, already had the motor in sunroof, sensor, door seal, window brackets, lights, dash lights etc, etc replaced so much repaired I made a file for it. This car is not the ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE its a DRIVING NIGHTMARE MACHINE.

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  Still crazy for it after nearly 3 years - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By First BMW - March 17 - 2:00 am

  There is actually little that needs to be said. I drove every vehicle made priced between $30-$40,000 and nothing else compared. I have since not had one single problem with the car, and I do not treat it gently. When I got it, I envisioned turning it in after year 3 of my lease. Instead, I just bought out the lease and hope to be able to keep it forever.

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  best one I have driven yet - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By fangio - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is everything I ever heard of a BMW and then some. Got the car with 5 spd, premium, winter, xenon and sports packages.Handles great. The 530 has adequate HP when you consider that in hwy/city driving, you can still get around 24- 26 mpg. Of course, you can step up to a 540 if you want more HP but then you will also increase your gas consumption. Can not have it both ways. Trunk space is generous. Seating for 4 is very comfortable. Plenty of space. Style? Well, that is why I got it in 2003 before it changes to the 7 series shape for 2004. Price? BMW – B ring M oney W ith you.

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  Pure Perfection - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By djocks - March 17 - 2:00 am

  The quote of BMW 330i having a feeling "alien" to all other makes is right on. Power is endless at any point and comfort is outstanding. It literally crackles when pushed giving the sweetest exhaust note. My father owns a 2001 325ci. We agree that the difference in the engines is substantial. The 325 is a great car but it does not have the perfect power band of the 330i. To cut some corners, I would go for the leatherette rather than leather. However, I would highly recommend the sport package for the seats. There are a lot of great sport sedans out there. The BMW is truly in a different galaxy. The 330i is the PERFECT AUTOMOBILE! dj

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  And we have fun fun fun til the dady.... - 2002 BMW M3
  By sbhark - March 17 - 12:13 am

  SMG II is a dream, the best of both world, brings manual fun without compromising real world drivability. The last time I had this much fun was when I first drove a go-kart, and Play Station 2 Grand Tourisimo 2.

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  Turbo Lover - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Turbo Lover - March 16 - 11:43 pm

  This is my third BMW and the best one by far. The 335i moves off the line so quick youd swear you were in a M3 or better? My last car was a 2005 330ci with the M sport package on it and I didnt think anything would rival the driving prowess of that car. Well, I was wrong! I strongly agree with one of the other reviews written earlier - this car is underrated! If you want speed coupled with amazing handling then dont look any further.

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  BMW - Jalal - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Jalal Shawwa - March 16 - 8:57 pm

  The ultimate driving machine

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  Owned it for 12 days - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Big Daddy - March 16 - 1:21 pm

  I am so relieved that I am not the only one disappointed in the purchase of this car! I love the styling and performance but it is way over engineered and difficult for a non-owner (read: valet, car wash, friends) to drive. The first tip off should have been the 90 minute "instructional" video that comes with the car. I traded it after 12 days for an 02 MB S-500.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By Mazen - March 15 - 10:21 pm

  This is the car of cars, looking to buy a newer one soon!